Devotion of our Mother of Perpetual Help
-
The Byzantine in style picture we venerate is supposed to have been painted in the thirteenth century. It represents the Mother of God holding the Divine Child while the Archangels Michael and Gabriel present before Him the instruments of His Passion. Over the figures in the picture are some Greek letters, which form the abbreviated words of Mother of God, Jesus Christ, Archangel Michael, and Archangel Gabriel respectively. For nearly three hundred years, the faithful venerated the picture in San Matteo (St. Matthew) in Rome, and many graces were obtained through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. The French invaded Rome (1812) and destroyed the church. The picture remained lost until 1865 and was discovered in an oratory of the Augustinian Fathers. Pope Pius IX who as a boy had prayed before the picture, had it put in St. Alphonsus Church in Rome where it remains to this day. Devotion has spread to all parts of the world. Pick up a prayer card as you enter the Sanctuary and pray with us. Devotions begin with an opening hymn, prayers are recited in community, with a pause to silently present our own petitions and thanks to our Blessed Mother and end with a closing hymn. The Devotion and Rosary begin at 5:15 pm on Tuesday in the Church. The third Tuesday of the month we offer a Community Prayer for the Sick after the devotions.